Green backlash and right-wing populism

Valentina Bosetti (), Italo Colantone, Catherine E. Vries and Giorgio Musto
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Valentina Bosetti: Bocconi University
Italo Colantone: Bocconi University
Catherine E. Vries: Bocconi University
Giorgio Musto: Bocconi University

Nature Climate Change, 2025, vol. 15, issue 8, 822-828

Abstract: Abstract This Review delves into the politics of climate policy, specifically focusing on the so-called green backlash—that is, rising resistance from voters, parties and governments to the climate transition. We present a narrative review of the literature on the political consequences of climate policies, highlighting the presence of backlash among citizens negatively affected by decarbonization efforts. Populist right forces emerge as the primary beneficiaries of the backlash as they tend to be more sceptical regarding anthropogenic climate change and less supportive of climate policies. In turn, their electoral success has negative implications for countries’ climate policymaking and performance. Finally, we draw insights from the literature to reflect on what can be done to improve the political sustainability of climate policies.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02384-0

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